Last week, mid-day was the first to report that one of Bollywood’s leading studios Yash Raj Films (YRF) is set to foray into OTT entertainment with its own vertical, YRF Entertainment (YRF goes OTT, November 12). Head honcho Aditya Chopra has apparently allocated Rs 500 crore to set up the digital arm. While he is mulling over the possibility of launching his own streaming platform, work on the content is progressing at a brisk pace. Sources reveals that Chopra has greenlit the first web offering — an ambitious four-hero starrer, mounted on a budget of Rs 100 crore.

A trade source reveals, “Aditya is making his intent clear by shelling out Rs 100 crore for the project. Usually, Indian series — be it a Four More Shots Please or an Aarya — are made on a budget of two to five crore per episode. So far, Sacred Games is said to be the most expensive homegrown series, with the first season built on approximately Rs 75 crore and the second, on Rs 90 crore. YRF wants to raise the stakes while staying true to their plan of making clutter-breaking content.” Chopra is said to have been quietly working on the OTT debut vehicle since late last year with an all-new team, specially hired for the wing. The script was locked in early 2021, and the cast, finalised last month. “The makers are being tight-lipped about the nature of the project. The series could roll as early as next month,” adds the source.